John Raymond “Jack” Schmitt, 95, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2019. He was born on December 30, 1923 in Long Beach, California to the late Jacob and Anna (Deisinger) Schmitt.
He served in the U.S. Army during WW II having served in Italy and Africa. Jack was a lifetime member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ where his family were founding members. He was known as the go to “Mr. Fix It.” Jack was a carpenter by trade; building and remodeling homes was his passion. He enjoyed wood-crafting and creating furniture for his family. Jack also enjoyed refinishing antiques. He could ride a bike backwards and even performed a back flip into the swimming pool on his 80th birthday. Jack and his wife Joyce treasured their annual trips to Florida where he enjoyed walking on the beach and frequent visits with his family. Jack was incredibly kind, generous, and steadfast in his values. He will be sorely missed.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Joyce.
He is survived by his daughters, Linda Ellenstein, Judy Salma, Barbara Schmitt, and Jeni Schmitt; he was “Papa” to grandchildren, Aviva Ellenstein (Raphael Lemaire), Anji Farwick (Chad), Adam Ellenstein (Amelia), Abbi Ellenstein, Aaron Ellenstein, Lori Salma (Donnie Dowell), Lesli Lusk (Corey), Lisa Carwile (Jason), and Emily Blake (Adam); great-grandchildren, Claire, Will, Wyat, Scarlett, Maxwell, Tuula, Chloe, Jase, and Emma; sister, Doris Ann Oglesby. He was a second father to Sam, Jeany, and Evie.
Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday December 7, 2019 at Alexander East Chapel with Pastor Emily Slade officiating. Entombment will follow at Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Friday from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
The Vanderburgh County Retired Veterans Memorial Club will conduct military
services at the cemetery
The family would like to thank the staff at Gateway Hospital, Linda E. White Hospice, and AMR for their comforting care.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem United Church of Christ – Building Fund, 6400 Oak Hill Road, Evansville, Indiana 47725.
